How to Fight Parking Tickets in the City of Cambridge
Crosswalk
In the City of Cambridge, you are strictly prohibited from parking on or obstructing any marked crosswalk. This rule applies 24 hours a day to ensure pedestrian safety and accessibility, meaning even a bumper overhanging the painted lines can result in a violation. You must ensure your vehicle is completely clear of the crosswalk area, regardless of the time of day or traffic conditions.
Guide to Fighting City of Cambridge Crosswalk
Let’s be honest: finding a legal parking spot in the City of Cambridge often feels like winning the lottery. Between resident permit zones, aggressive street cleaning schedules, and confusing signage, it is easy to make a mistake. If you have returned to your car to find a bright orange envelope tucked under your wiper for a Crosswalk violation, you are probably feeling a mix of frustration and confusion. While a $40 base fine might not seem like a financial catastrophe, it is money you would definitely rather keep in your pocket.
So, why were you ticketed? Cambridge parking enforcement is notoriously strict about pedestrian safety and accessibility. A Crosswalk violation doesn't necessarily mean you parked your car directly in the middle of the street blocking people from walking. Often, this ticket is issued because a vehicle's bumper or tire is partially overhanging the painted white lines. Enforcement officers are trained to look for these obstructions because they can block sightlines for other drivers or make it difficult for wheelchairs and strollers to access the curb cuts. Even if you were only "a little bit" over the line, the city considers it a safety hazard.
However, not every ticket is open-and-shut. There are legitimate reasons to dispute a citation. Common angles for contesting a Crosswalk violation include poor visibility of the markings. If the paint on the road was severely faded, covered by snow, or obscured by uncollected leaves, you may have a valid argument that the restriction was not reasonably visible. Another angle involves conflicting signage or, in rare cases, medical emergencies that forced you to stop immediately. Evidence is crucial here; photos of the faded lines or the position of your car can make a significant difference.
Time is of the essence when dealing with Cambridge parking tickets. The city has a tiered late fee structure that punishes procrastination. You have 21 days to pay or appeal the ticket. If you miss that window, a $5.00 late fee is added. If the ticket remains unpaid after 67 days, another $10.00 is tacked on. Finally, if you let it slide past 104 days, a hefty $40.00 fee is added, doubling your original fine and potentially preventing you from renewing your registration or license.
If you believe your ticket was issued unfairly, you don't have to navigate the bureaucracy alone. The Busted web app is designed to help you contest these fines without the headache. You don't need to download anything or deal with confusing government portals. simply log on to our website, upload a photo of your ticket, and answer a few questions about the situation. Our system helps generate the right defense for your specific case and handles the heavy lifting of mailing the dispute letter for you. It is the smartest way to fight back and protect your driving record without wasting your entire afternoon.
Late fee schedule
| Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
21-67 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $5.00 |
67-104 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $10.00 |
After 104 days Tickets must be paid or appealed within 21 days to avoid the first late fee. | $40.00 |